Phone scam snares West Whiteland daughter

WEST WHITELAND — Police Tuesday said the victim of an extortion phone scam was left “extremely scared” after receiving a call from a man who claimed to have her father at gunpoint and demanded a cash payment for his release.

According to the West Whiteland Police Department, the victim received a call Monday from a man with a heavy accent who identified himself as “Robert.” Police said the caller claimed that he was involved in a car accident with the victim’s father and was holding him at gunpoint.

The caller then threatened to shoot the victim’s father if she did not pay $900 for vehicle repairs, according to police. Investigators said the caller knew personal information about the victim that convinced her the call was genuine. The victim also thought she heard her father begging for help in the background, according to police.

The victim was told to wire $900 to a woman in Puerto Rico, police said.

After the victim wired the money, a second man called her and claimed to be “Robert’s” cousin. The second caller told the victim that her father was released. The victim then called her father and learned the incident was a hoax.

Police said that other law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are investigating similar incidents. Investigators said they believe the incidents are related.

The West Whiteland Police Department urged any residents who receive similar calls to notify their local police departments immediately.